An Unfinished Life

One of my most favorite movies. It's about a single mom going back home to escape an abusive relationship. There's laughs, tears, and comedy. I would recommend this movie to anyone. Even ok for kids to watch. Or date night. Or just by yourself. Read more

Prompt service Good quality Read more

Very good star cast and the movie is great. Lesson on forgiveness, family and moving on. Read more

I think An Unfinished Life is one of the few movies that both Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman have made that came on in the theaters one weekend and then disappeared two weeks later. Though a predictable movie, An Unfinished Life is still a very good film with excellent performances by Redford, Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Lucas, and Becca Gardiner. The story starts out with Lopez and her teenage daughter, Gardiner, leaving an abusive relationship with hardly any money and a broken-down car. When the car finally reaches its last leg, Lopez has no choice but to head to Wyoming and a father-in-law (played by Redford) who blames her for the death of his only son. When Lopez reaches Redford's ranch, it turns out the neither he, nor her daughter, knew of each other. The fact that he's suddenly a grandfather, however, doesn't stop Redford from telling his daughter-in-law that he doesn't want her there and to leave. Of course, there wouldn't be much of a story if that happened. Later, when Redford sees Lopez and Gardiner in town, he has a change of heart and tells them that they're welcome to stay at his place if they want. The two females move in with Redford and his long-time ranch hand and close friend (played by Freeman). Freeman's character was mauled by a grizzly bear and is now somewhat of a cripple. He stays in the small house adjacent to the main quarters. As it turns out, Freeman is also Redford's conscious. He doesn't hesitate to tell Redford that he's wrong about blaming Lopez for his son's death in a car accident and that he needs to get to know his granddaughter. Through trials and tribulations, Redford and the two females slowly start to become close to each other. As this is happening, Lopez develops a relationship with the town's sheriff (played by Josh Lucas). At first Redford feels that Lopez is being unfaithful to the memory of his son, but gradually relents due to the good nature of the sheriff. Then, during the last third of the movie, Lopez' abusive boyfriend tracks her down and is intent on having her leave with him. That's when all hell breaks lose and we find out just how tough Redford's character really is. What makes An Unfinished Life truly shine is the interaction between Redford's character and Freeman's. These two men have a strong friendship that knows no bounds. This is displayed most effectively in how Redford takes care of his crippled friend by helping him to get around, making his meals, playing cards with him, and eventually following his advice about everything. I don't think Redford and Freeman have ever been better than they are in this film. I have to say, however, that Redford really looks his age. Though this movie won't win any awards, it's still a pure pleasure to watch. It's also nice having Jennifer Lopez back after a long absence. She handles her character perfectly as someone who's filled with guilt and tortures herself for it day in and day out. The theme of this film is certainly one about our need for forgiveness and to feel whole again. That's an important message for everyone. The extras on the DVD have a director's commentary and a making-of featurette and a look at the training of Bart the Bear, who plays a large role in the movie. Read more

A good watch and definitely with renting. Love Morgan Freeman Read more

I've seen many movies in my life but very few touch me the way this one did and still does whenever I watch it. The acting is amazing, the story compelling and believable, the cinematography pulls you into the characters as well as the landscape and the soundtrack pulls it all together. The blending of animal and human suffering and triumph is unique. I've watched this movie at least 50 times now. It's my go to movie when I want to feel like I've escaped to another place but also need to relate to others who have to face up to difficult problems and get through them in the end very successfully. The end of the movie is a perfect blend of mundane life with a more spiritual take on it. Even though the scenes move slowly at times, there is good reason for it and the editing is so tight, you never feel bored by the pace. It's a shame the studio apparently didn't back this movie more. If it had, there would have been award nominations for it in all categories. Read more

Best movie I have seen in quite a while. I have watched 3 times. Read more

This 2005 film captures the horror of being stuck in grief, blame and bitterness. At the same time this beautifully written, beautifully directed, and beautifully acted film demonstrates the hope and beauty of forgiveness, healing and reclaiming one's family--even in the face of death. The cimematography is breathtaking. Robert Redford as Einar Gilkyson plays a rancher who loses his 21 year old son, is left by his wife and then loses any real sense of himself. Redford truly is at his best in this role. Morgan Freeman plays a dying ranch hand/friend of Einar, Mitch Bradley. Freeman is brilliant in his role as a kind, wise and almost surreal character. Jennifer Lopez is excellent as Einar's a guilt ridden, self punishing, estranged daughter-in-law who suddenly shows up with her young daughter at Einar's ranch after several years away. All of the other supporting actors seem perfect in their roles. This film blends the emotions of life, the depth of human relationships, the beauty of nature, action and adventure, humor and sadness, and regret and hope in a masterful way. The movie's ending is wonderful because it is also "a new beginning". This is a great movie for thoughtful and sensitive people. Read more